Stories about Politics from February, 2009
Armenia: Nationalist agitation in Georgia
Writing on the new Frontline Club blog, Global Voices Online's Caucasus Regional Editor reports on plans to hold a demonstration outside the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia. The blog says that local nationalists with the possible backing of Moscow might be seeking to destabilize Armenia's northern neighbor.
Afghanistan: Prison, Poverty and Politics
While the Obama administration has announced that an additional 17,000 troops will be sent to Afghanistan to confront the rising insurgency, Afghan bloggers keep talking about the daily challenges facing Afghans such as a women in prison, poverty and political tensions. Baktash Siawash, a Kabul-based journalist and blogger writes [en]...
Saudi Arabia: Thoughts on the Cabinet Reshuffle
Saudi Jeans reacts to the recent reshuffle in the Saudi government. ” I think the cabinet shuffle was not surprising in itself, but rather in its scale and some of the details,” he notes.
Kyrgyzstan: Back Count for the U.S. Airbase
On February, 19th, 2009 nearly all Krrgyz MPs approved a motion denouncing the agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the USA about the American airbase at Manas. Of 89 total MPs, 78 voted for, one against, and two abstained: The government, in the name of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, after signing...
Kyrgyzstan: Tablighi Jamaat
Sultan reflects on the possible restriction of the activity of the religious movement “Tablighi Jamaat” in Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan: U.S. Airbase Seeking New Home
Elina reports that after the American airbase has been closed in Kyrgyzstan, a top U.S. general is visiting Uzbekistan to discuss alternative supply routes for the army in Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan: Politics and Society in Times of Crisis
Politics remain the major topic of the online discussions in Kazakhstan – much more frequently and intensely than in public life. One of the most recent events, widely discussed by the bloggers, was the establishment of the new state award – the title of the Kazakhstan's Hero of Labor (an...
Taiwan: The cost of investment
There has been a huge amount of Taiwanese investment in China over the past two decades. Michael Turton discusses the human cost of that investment.
Russia: Politkovskaya Murder Trial Acquittals
Oleg Kozlovsky, Irina Filatova, Foreign Policy Association's Russia blog, and Window on Eurasia write about the “not guilty” verdict for the three men charged with being involved in the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya.
Serbia: Update on Miladin Kovacevic
Belgraded posts an update on the Miladin Kovacevic’s story.
Poland: Economic Situation
The beatroot writes about the economic situation in Poland.
Kosovo: First Anniversary of Independence
Blogging Balkanistan writes about Kosovo's first anniversary of independence.
Latvia: Government Resignation
Edward Hugh writes about Latvian government's resignation at A Fistful of Euros.
Saudi Arabia: Moving to a modern society?
“Is Saudi Arabia moving closer to a modern society?,” asks Sabria S. Jawhar in her new blog post.
Egypt: Bloggers React to Cairo bombings
A French tourist was killed and around 20 people were injured when a bomb exploded outside the Al Hussein Mosque in Cairo's popular tourist area Khan Al Khalili. And as the world was coming to grips with what was happening on the ground, Egypt's bloggers were quick at work, exchanging updates, information, analysis and concerns.
Madagascar: A Resolution to the political crisis?
In Madagascar, bloggers react to a recent meeting where rivals President Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina agreed to a political truce, paving the way for further negotiations. Weeks of public protests and violent crackdowns have left dozens dead.
“Clinton should visit Brunei”
Peacelovekindness enumerates the reasons why United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should visit Brunei.
Iran: Pro Khatami web sites were filtered
According to news sites and blogs, Iranian authorities have filtered two web sites, Yaari News and Yaari, promoting the presidential bid of Mohammed Khatami, former reformist president.
Martinique: On independence and French “paternalism”
As the workers' movement in Martinique and Guadeloupe continues, bloggers in Martinique consider what it might mean for the overseas departments to become independent. le blog de [moi] finds the idea Martinique couldn't make it on its own offensive and paternalistic. Her readers think that one reality of being a small island country is that you are always under someone else's shadow.
Iraq: Rumours and Conspiracy Theories
Iraqi Pundit discusses the impact of rumours and conspiracy theories on his country, and the Middle East at large. “Rumours have traditionally done a great deal of damage in the Middle East, and Iraq was never spared from this exercise,” he notes.
Angola: Presidential elections postponed?
As of the end of February 2009, there is still no schedule for the presidential elections in Angola, which were due this year. The main priority for the MPLA, the party in power, is to approve a new constitution for the country. Bloggers speculate whether this means that the much awaited elections for a new president, the first since 1992, will be postponed.